Dr. Rebecca Harper took a chance that paid off.
She reached out to author Barry Lyga and asked if he’d be interested in talking with teachers about his work. Lyga is author of several highly praised novels for young adults, including “The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl.”
“I was reading by the pool and crying, and I wondered if he’d come and talk. He said ‘Absolutely,’” said Harper, an associate professor with the Augusta University College of Education’s Department of Advanced Studies and Innovation, who began an online book club for teachers called the Augusta Writing Project Author Series.
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The writing project part comes from AU’s participation in the National Writing Project since 2018. The university offers summer institutes to teachers for “professional and personal development in the realms of writing and literacy. The heart of the program is the summer institute, an immersive writing experience,” according to the AU writing project website.
Harper thought this writers’ series could be an extension of project.
She started the online series in the fall. Her goal was to find authors of literature whose contemporary works could complement the classics many teachers use in their curriculum.
“It blew up in the fall,” she said.
She first thought it would be something local teachers could benefit from, but some of those participating in the hour-long Zoom meetings live in other states, including Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Michigan.
The talks are free and offer a wide range of authors. They are held at 6 p.m. on select Mondays through April 26.
Harper said teachers can join at any time.
While some authors have told her “No,” Harper said she’s gotten great response from the writing community and is pleased with how it has turned out.
Upcoming authors include Susan Beth Pfeffer, who has written 75 books, on Feb. 22; Victoria Jamieson, whose “When the Stars are Scattered” was shortlisted for the National Book Award on March 8; Paul Griffin, author of “Saving Marty” on March 29; Randy Ribay, author of “Patron Saints of Nothing” on April 19; and Carmen Agra Deedy, author of “Rita and Ralphs’ Rotten Day” rounding out the spring semester on April 28.
To sign up, go to bit.ly/Sp2021BookClub.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
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